The Right Stuff: 5 Features Your LMS Needs

By:
Simon Casuto

Approaching eLearning and training without a Learning Management System (LMS) in place could mean that you’re making your job harder than it has to be. While it’s possible to administer eLearning on your own, an LMS helps automate the process for custom accessibility and simple analytics. Of course, not all management systems are created equally. Whether you’re going for a custom approach or you’re using SaaS, make sure it’s a match made in eLearning heaven by looking for the right features based on your organization’s needs.

eLearning Customization Tools

One of the first questions you should ask when vetting an LMS should be “How easy is it to customize?” No two companies have the same learning needs, so if you need to contact tech support every time you need to upload a new module or check your reports, you’ll waste time and resources. A good LMS is fully customizable by the administrator, and offers simple-to-use tools for making changes, uploading and downloading analytics.

Learning Paths

Forcing your learners into the same mold with your LMS is bound to breed boredom and disengagement. Instead, your LMS should acknowledge the individual by offering a number of available learning paths so learners can take control of their own training. Even though all paths will lead to the same destination – training and development – offering choices makes for happier, more engaged learners.

Web-Based and Mobile Accessibility

Your LMS is only as good as its access points, and if your learner has to be parked at his desk to access the material, it’s less than ideal. A modern LMS should offer a couple of different choices when it comes to accessibility, offering not only a Web-based option, but mobile accessibility as well. The easier your learners can access the LMS, the better chance that they’ll take the initiative and learn on their own time.

Collaboration and Interaction

They say that no man is an island: Therefore, a lack of collaboration tools can make your learners feel completely stranded. Choose an LMS that offers options for synchronous and asynchronous communication, like instant messaging, forum access and offline messaging for learners and administrators. This keeps learners engaged and part of the group.

Reporting and Assessment

What’s an LMS without analytics? A solid LMS offers fast and easy access to assessment tools, like quiz results and usage logs. British company Tesco recently updated their LMS for all 400,000 employees, making sure that reporting was an integral part of the update. It acts as a vital way to streamline the training of so many employees, while making sure the experience is both constant and effective for those who utilize the LMS for eLearning and training.

Your LMS can either revolutionize the way you train – for better or for worse. By taking your time and properly vetting a number of different systems and software, you’ll choose one that works best for your organization’s unique needs.